Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF) – 2025-26

  • Funding pool (this round): Approximately $5 million (2025/26).
  • Maximum funding per applicant: Funding up to $40,000 is available
  • Two core grant streams: Minor ($500-$15K) and Major ($15,001-$40K), generally capped at 50% of total project costs.
  • Applications above $40K considered on a case-by-case basis
  • Application close dates vary by state and territory: 
    • VIC: Applications open February 2nd and close March 27th, 2026
    • QLD: Applications open February 16th – March 27th, 2026
    • SA: Applications open from February 23rd – March 31st, 2026
    • NSW: Applications open March 16th and close April 24th 2026

The Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF) provides capital funding to community cricket facility projects that grow participation, improve accessibility and inclusivity, and align with Australian Cricket’s strategic priorities under the National Community Cricket Infrastructure Strategy (NCCIS).

Two core categories are offered: Minor ($500–$15,000) and Major ($15,001–$40,000), each generally capped at up to 50% of total project cost. Applications above $40,000 may be considered case‑by‑case under Strategic Cricket Infrastructure Funding where projects are multi‑faceted and deliver broader regional benefits.

Key Requirements

  • Strategic alignment. Projects must align with Australian Cricket and State/Territory strategic infrastructure priorities and the Community Cricket Facility Guidelines.
  • Inclusive participation growth. Strong emphasis on increasing participation—particularly 5–12‑year‑olds, women and girls, and CALD communities—through safe, accessible, welcoming facilities.
  • Standards & specifications. New or upgraded synthetic pitches must include junior pitch markings; lighting must comply with AS 2560.2
  • Readiness & approvals. Provide landowner consent (e.g., council) and required documentation (quotes/plans/photos/support letters/funding confirmations). Retrospective construction is generally ineligible.
  • Co‑funding. ACIF typically supports up to 50% of total project costs (Minor and Major categories).

 

What is eligible for funding?

  • Primary supported: synthetic pitches (with junior markings), practice nets (with junior markings), inclusive change rooms and amenity upgrades, pavilions/clubrooms, oval surface/drainage/irrigation upgrades, sports lighting, turf table rejuvenation, turf nets rejuvenation, permanent shade/shelter, water harvesting, solar panel installation.
  • Secondary supported: new/additional turf tables and nets; storage facilities (≤$15k); permanent scoreboards (≤$15k; conditions apply); synthetic pitch covers (linked to a new/upgraded synthetic pitch)

 

What companies are eligible for funding?

  • Eligible entities: Clubs, associations, schools, councils, facility managers, or any organisation that uses/manages a community cricket facility across Australia.
  • Other considerations: Applicants must have landowner consent, align to facility guidelines/standards, and provide minimum documentation (varies by category). Businesses may be eligible if they are users/managers of community cricket facilities and meet all conditions (including approvals and documentation).

 

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

  • Industry analysis presentation
  • Competitor Analysis Presentation
  • Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
  • 3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
  • 3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
  • End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
  • CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
  • Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
  • Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.